"Keep the Lions!"..."Lions & Tigers > Pandas" - Our Zoo Going Community Sounds Off

I wrote my previous post the morning after hearing that it was definite Our Lions would not only be kicked out of their home in THE LION HOUSE, but OUT of Our Zoo.  

After I sent it to all my Zoo-going friends, one summed it right up...

"That is the saddest picture.  People are gonna hate the pandas when they find out.  Very sad."

This is the exact reason documenting this immediately had to happen.  

I could see there might be a chance that the Zoo would wait to announce it, until right before sending them out.  If there was any chance to save them, to Keep Our Lions, the public had to know.  There has to be public outrage.  

Losing Our Lions for Pandas is a big deal, and something that needs to be made public.

"I had no idea that getting rid of the lions was even possible?! How is there a zoo without lions? That is just crazy."

"With the pandas it's a nice cultural exchange with China, but Didn't know it was going to involve an eviction though."

While the Zoo has not publicly announced this, it is in the City Audit, released this month, as a contingency factor in acquiring Pandas, and no secret among Staff.  It is rumored that Mayor Lurie will make an announcement in the near future about Pandas coming to San Francisco.   

The following is a comment submitted to my previous post...

 

I decided to network the situation on a local Facebook group, and on Nextdoor.  I wanted more reactions to how Losing Our Lions would make locals feel.

These next two comments from social media efforts, mirror the one above...

"I think this is a disgrace 😔 no big cats at the zoo. Definitely will not renew my membership!"

"Won't be going to that Zoo any more."

Frankly, finding out how Our Zoo-going public will react to something like this happening at a place they care about and possibly support, is something the Zoo should be doing before making decisions like this.  At the very least, the Zoo should send a survey to everyone who holds a Membership, as well solicit opinions from those who visit and have an invested interest in Our Zoo, even if they aren't currently Members.

I spent the last three days, networking the Zoos plan to kick Our Lions out of the Zoo, in favor of Pandas.  There were a lot of comments (keep reading for more) on socials, and it took almost a full day to respond to them.

I got notice this morning that in just over a day, my post on Nextdoor alone had 7,700 views.  So, while there have not been as many comments, that is near eight thousand people who now know.  

Considering my efforts, and whether preemptive of a rumor, or exposing a plan the public will hate, the Zoo needs to make a statement soon, that speaks to their Plan regarding Our Lions future at Our Zoo.   They can not continue to talk about bringing in Pandas, without talking about how it will affect the Animals that currently live at Our Zoo.

The Zoo is currently THEIR home.  Not Pandas.  Jasiri, our male was born here.  He is a Legacy Lion.  In 1997, three Lion Cubs were brought to SF from South Africa, to start the first purebred African Lion line.  His Grandparents were two of those Cubs.   Taking away his home here, takes away that Legacy.  Taking Lions out of Our Zoo, takes away a beloved piece of our history that is, ninety-three years of Lions in the Lion House.

 

What is set to happen to Our Lions is not only morally unconscionable, but it's reckless with Our Zoo's future.

This Visitor gets it...

"What the F!?  Sorry but this is the downfall of our Zoo"

I will not let the discarding of Our Lions go without being their Voice.  I will ROAR for these friends as loud as I can.  I hope you will too! Hopefully it will make a difference in their future. ... Remember all comments to this blog are Anonymous.  I also share them with the Zoo management, and City Officials Mayor, Supervisors, RecPark).   So, the more, the better.  Let's all try to Keep Our Lions Home!

Below are comments pulled from Facebook, Nextdoor, my Petition (linked below), and a few Zoo going Friends.

"2nd gen SFnative dont do it"

"Uuuuuuhg. That sucks."

"I can hardly believe it.  We all love the big cats."

"What is a zoo without lions?! So stupid!"

"Sad that they are sending lions away just to get pandas. Every zoo I've ever been to has lions. Bad idea to send them away to another place."

"Wow.  I’m grateful Jack (Castor) and Audrey are gone for this."

"First the tigers, now lions? Big cats should be represented in any major zoo."

"Please, please, pandas are a waste and disruption that will harm all the current zoo residents."

"Please don't let the San Francisco Zoo be without Lions or other Big Cats!"

"Sure pandas are cuddly looking but hardly impressive.  On the otherhand, sight and sound of big cats can change your life."

"I have spent decades listening to the Big Cats roar as their daily feeding time approaches! It has been one of the great experiences of my life and I do NOT want the Big Cats to leave."

"My family has seen the giant pandas in DC, SD, MEM, and ATL.  Chances are high that when you visit them they will be sitting chewing on bamboo, and you'll probably think - what a waste of money to bring these animals to SF."

"Lots of memories, however in the recent years, the zoo has been totally mismanaged. The little puffer train is never running. They’re losing animals left and right. It’s becoming a total disappointment. I’m not sure who’s making these decisions but this is gonna be another downfall if they remove all of the big cats from the zoo." 

"Make the zoo better not worse"   

"We need Cats too!"

"Pandas is a political stunt. The zoo will cater to them and spend less time and money with current animals."

"The city is lending them $8.5M to help hold them over until they figure out the finances. Definitely should not be bringing the pandas with that kind of issue."

"Keep the lions 😊 Pandas are cute but dull. The mighty lions have been a fave for decades.  King of the jungle roaring & eating 🥩 or giant stuffed animal munching on bamboo? If we have to choose one over the other, I vote for the Lions. Or can’t they build another enclosure for the pandas?? Why wasn’t that thought out before they bid for the Pandas in the first place? "

Someone said...

"Wish they could find a way to have both lions and pandas."

I answered...

"They can!  It's called doing the right thing morally. Building a permanent home for Pandas and leaving the Big Cat area to Big Cats!"

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Petition:

San Francisco Zoo - Keep Our Lions In Their Home!

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/106/394/470/san-francisco-zoo-keep-our-lions-in-their-home/

> Related Posts:  

*A Zoo Without Big Cats - Goodbye To Our Lions - Shame On Our Zoo & Mayor

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-zoo-without-big-cats-goodbye-to-our.html

> Comments:  

Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs

A Zoo Without Big Cats - Goodbye To Our Lions - Shame On Our Zoo & Mayor

It is allegedly imminent that Our Beloved Lions Jasiri and Lulu will be leaving their home at Our Zoo.  They are being kicked out in favor of bringing in Giant Pandas.

It is rumored this announcement will be made public at very soon.  I wouldn't be surprised if CEO Cassandra Costello will make an announcement at the RecPark Full Commission Meeting today.

While this is not shocking news, as I predicted this would happen back in December 2024, it is slightly surprising, as Pandas have not been confirmed, AND I would have hoped new Management would have done right by Our Lions.  My optimism for the future of Our Zoo is at zero, and my Soul weeps for Our Lions.

In December 2025, former Director Tanya Peterson was quoted in a Chronicle article relating to the costs of bringing in Pandas...  

"However, that does not account for the cost of building a new exhibit for "the lions that will be ousted from the Historic Lion House."  

I have written much about this outrage.  The pure insanity that Our Lions would be displaced from their home, IN THE LION HOUSE, is not only far from logical, it's disgusting.  

Further research showed the Zoo got approval from City Planning for this location of a new enclosure for Our Lions.

Enlargement of Approved Lion Relocation

I never believed this would happen.  There was no funding for Pandas, let alone a new enclosure for Lions.  In my opinion, this was just another lie from Tanya Peterson.

That said, this project site was submitted and approved by The City.  The Zoo needs to honor what was said would happen.  That Our Lions would have a new home built at Our Zoo.

In the recently released Audit at the Board of Supervisors order, this appears in the opening pages...

You can see that what I suspected would happen, is and probably always was, part of the Panda Plan.  There will be no new enclosure for Our Lions.  They will be sent to another Zoo.  

In addition to this moral disgrace, will they even be sent together?  When the Chimpanzees were set to transfer out, the female went to one Zoo, while the two males await their fate.

Our Zoo and City Mayor Daniel Lurie have no care to put everything into Pandas at the expense of beloved current residents.   If the greater public knew this, there would be outrage.

It is also rumored Mayor Lurie will make an announcement about Pandas in the very near future.  His announcement will allegedly include his alleged raised funds for Pandas.  

If The Millionaire Mayor has gathered funds for Pandas, he can surely get funds to keep our Lions and build them the enclosure they were promised. 

The Mayor does not care about Our Zoo, he only cares about creating a tighter bond with China and Chinese Tourism.   Let Lurie pay for the new Lion enclosure!

It is something to ponder whether the City Loan is only to keep the Zoo afloat, until his Panda Want comes to fruition.  If it fails, he will just close the Zoo.

Additionally, if the Mayor can or has got Panda Donors in place, why can't they or he put in additional funds and just build a new enclosure for Pandas?  Our Zoo has increasingly empty enclosure areas, pick one.  

I made this graphic to note the three areas in individual close-up graphics, and for showing this size comparisons, that aren't identifiable individually.

Graphic #3 shows the most logical open space to build a new enclosure for Pandas.  I've written about this location several times.  It's located south of Grizzly Gulch and encompasses not only the two huge adjacent former in-use enclosures, but extends further south toward former Hippo.  Tons of area for a huge yard, and night quarters.  With the most space to have visitor lines queue-up.  And when we can no longer afford Pandas enclosure can be used for Black Bear upgrade or another Animal.

Graphic #1 shows the long talked about Triple Grotto site and adjacent open spaces.   When the Orangutans move out and into what will be the former Chimpanzee area, this entire site will be vacant and fenced off for years to come.  This currently front viewing site is in the Zoo's reported most trafficked area.  A major focal point of the Zoo.   

Years ago, when Orangutans were first subjected to living in this ancient enclosure, it was expressed to me by a Staffer, that it should be considered for Pandas, as a way to get a new build for Orangutans, when we could no longer afford Pandas.  Now that Triple Grotto is set to be emptied, and in need of complete demolishing, fill-in and re-envision, this could be the most logical moving forward in bringing Pandas here.

This should be taken into serious consideration.

It would...

1.  Keep Our Lions in THE LION HOUSE.

2.  Solve the huge problem that leaving this site sit an eyesore for years will be.

3.  Solve the problem of eventual fundraising, of fund use, for this site in the future.

If the Zoo can't see fit to entertain these options, they should at least think about the following...

I suggested two years ago when former Mayor London Breed first chased Pandas, The Zoo should only commit to Pandas for two years, three tops.  If profitable then renegotiate for the additional time on the ten year lease.  As noted in the recent Audit pages, it was determined that revenue increase is highest first two years, then decreases significantly.  What doesn't decrease is the costs to have Pandas.

It is outrageous and irresponsible to proceed with the Panda Plan as is.  While it is not a secret I am against bringing Pandas here at all, until Our Zoo is fixed and stable, that argument will never be heard.  The Zoo and Mayor have even ignored their own staff who are against bring in Pandas.  So, the seemingly more sane and logical plan would be...

1.  Commit to a Temporary Lease for Pandas.

2. Temporary location in the Lion House that included sharing the Lion House with Lions.

3.  After first eighteen months. reevaluate increase in revenue and costs.

4. If profitable and proceed with ten year lease, build Pandas their own enclosure, since there will supposedly be an excess of increased revenue.

5.  Lions never leave.

That of course would be ideal for all involved.  The only issue is, The Zoo is allowing the Chinese Government to dictate things that make no sense.  Supposedly the Pandas can not be near or see any other Animal, hence the Lion eviction.  Yet, the Snow Leopards who live next door and the visual of the Black Rhino is ok?  Why is the Zoo bowing to this?

Sharing the Lion House...

There is no reason the Pandas need both Yards and the entire Lion House. Once the four Cat Yards became two, these enclosures became larger than even necessary.  As well, a partition can be built inside to completely separate the Pandas from the Lions.  If indoor Lion vocalizing echo is an issue, maybe what should happen is a night quarters for Pandas can be built on the exterior of the Lion House.  That solves the whole sharing issue. There are windows in Yard A, one can be removed as an entry to an adjacent night quarters.  The Pandas do not need visitor viewing dayrooms inside (doubling as night quarters) as proposed, but could have one outside adjacent to Yard. I'm actually really liking this idea!  The only issue I see could possibly be if there would be a problem heating that extension area. Otherwise logically, visually, and most important compassionately for Our Lions, it seems like a valid option.  There couldn't be much difference in price between building indoor rooms, as opposed to outdoor adjacent.  At least with outdoor extension, it would ensure no contact at all with Lions.  And temporary sharing is then doable.   Once their Panda windfall happens they can build a new Panda enclosure, and then Lions get to have a sheltered area for visitors to view them when it's raining.

This was an idea that popped into my mind as I am writing this.  So this is a new graphic just made.  It shows the area in front of the main Lion House entrance, that could be used for Panda night quarters, and even be windowed to achieve the same thing proposed for inside.  

These people need to think of ways to keep Our Lions, instead of thinking if them as expendable!

I am so upset and fed-up with this crap.  Our Zoo is in such desperate shape it is near closing.  The Loan is to keep the lights on and the Animals fed.  Pandas aren't expected until Spring 2028.   The Zoo needs to adopt my Roar from years ago and "Take Care At Home", and that doesn't include sending away Our Lions.  Enough with reducing the collection, and ignoring basic fixes.   

What is their plan for the next two years while waiting for Pandas to Save Our Zoo?   

Keep Our Lions and Fix Our Zoo!  

If Our Lions leave, I hope they pour all that money into Pandas and China turns around and says No Pandas For You!

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> Related Posts:  Use Search Box in upper left corner and search "Lions" , "Lion House" , "Pandas" .

> Next Post:

"Keep the Lions!"..."Lions & Tigers > Pandas" - Our Zoo Going Community Sounds Off

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/05/keep-lionslions-tigers-pandas-our-zoo.html

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs

Highlighting The Aldabra Tortoise's Home - Clarifying Previous Thoughts

I started gathering photos for a weekly New On The Grounds post, well over a month ago, probably longer.  Of course, never got to it timely.  Need to search back through photos for things I was going to post about.  So, I'll do some retroactive mentions in future posts. 

For this week, I want to highlight the Aldabra Tortoise's home at the Family Farm.  In my two posts from last weekend that I wrote about What I'd Like To See, I mentioned possible new areas for both the Giant Tortoise species, Galapagos and Aldabra.  The later is not in immediate need and in hindsight, I wanted to clarify that.  

Two things sparked my thoughts/ideas for the two Tortoise species.  First, was seeing the huge space that the Radiated Tortoises now had in Madagascar, and then witnessing one of the Galapagos coming from it's night quarters and it seemingly just fitting through the doorway.   With that on my mind, I had already (long before those posts) been thinking of where the Galapagos could be moved.  I first thought about the old Patas/Eagle enclosure, but then Claudia the Condor was transferred out and I thought of her former home at the Puente, which I wrote about in a previous post.

I have had my eye on something being done with the old Duck Pond that neighbors the Family Farm Sand Corral, since before it was filled in, what seems like a couple years ago. It was drained and empty for years prior to that, then filled in and an attempted edible garden started.  Knowing the Aldabras would be growing for decades to come, about a year ago, I thought of this space possibly for them sometime in the future when they'd need a larger home.

In my previous posts, my mind was primarily on optics, as Our Zoo starts to heal from the past, and thrive into the future. With thoughts rooted in Needs of current Residents and, the Need to fill empty enclosures.  As well as a few new build ideas that would enhance the lives of current Residents, and future acquisitions.  

While I do think the Galapagos need an expanded home now, I do not think the Aldabras do, or will anytime soon.  I may have been influenced by wanting empty enclosures filled. I do think that former Patas/Eagle enclosure needs to be filled sooner, rather than later, I just think with a different species.  Hopefully the Zoo is actively looking for one, because it's been empty too long.  Again, optics. At this point in Our Zoo's healing process, I think working on perception is highly important to Our Zoo thriving.

That said, I realized after publishing, that my thoughts specifically about the Tortoises, got a bit blurred, at least in what the Aldabras current needs are.  I think all their needs are being met exceptionally in their current home.

Since that original thought about the Aldabra Tortoises future well over a year ago, their space at the Farm has expanded to include an additional area where the Cockatoo used to live, and most recently a renovation to the pool that was used by the Domestic Ducks years ago.  I hadn't been down to the Farm in a few weeks, so this week was my first time seeing the latest addition.

Aldabra Tortoises Home.

View showing different areas and substrates.  The former Cockatoo space is at the top (photo left of night quarters), moving counter clockwise, their sand box, mud waddle, wading pool (out of view, photo right), and the Keeper door with a howdy fence cut into it, a feature I think is thoughtful, so they aren't staring at wood, when they hear someone.

Earl in sand box, looking past their mud wallow towards their new wading pool at the back.

I Love Earl and Ida, and I love the home Farm Curators have built for them.  They have continually added enriching elements to their environment.  Ida and Earl are always out and active, enjoying their different substrates.

Earl enjoying the sand box.

Ida enjoying the mud wallow.

The most recent addition is the opening of the former Domestic Duck pool.  I was told Ida has already used the pool, and while Earl has gone to the ramp to check it out, he's still debating!

Ramp to pool

Pool view

Port hole viewing for Goats to look through.

I Love this!

As you can see, the Aldabra's are living their best lives at the Farm.   As expressed a bit at the opening, I was and still am uncomfortable that I mentioned them in previous posts suggesting moving them.  Explained why I think that happened, and really glad that the Universe sent me to the Farm the next day, and that I not only got to see their new pool, but remembered, they don't need to be moved anywhere for a long time.  Also glad I use a forum that allows me to rectify things that leave me feeling uneasy.

Hope everyone who visits Ida and Earl gets a chance to see them using their pool!  I'm hoping to get lucky with that this week!

Related Post:

*Continuation Of... - What I Think Our Zoo Needs aka What I'd Like To See

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/05/continuation-of-what-i-think-our-zoo.html

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs

MADagascar Disaster Needs Help - What I Think It Needs aka What I'd Like To See #3

Madagascar, the MAD Vanity Project as I've called it for the eight years since it caused the removal of six species of Primates from Our Zoo.  Then it went on to have a fence around it for as many years.  It went through many design changes that started with the site banner below.   

I don't remember reading the text portion, regarding the species set for the "center", as I later thought of Mongoose through my own research if endemic Mammals.  Additionally, before his arrival, it was even rumored that an enclosure for the Pygmy Hippo would be built there, even though the species is not from Madagascar.  It seemed additionally odd considering it was almost four years after that banner, and therefore begged the question, What happened to the actual Animals that were listed to have supposed to go there?  

This project has been a scramble of ideas and execution since day one.  The chaos and waste of funds is outrageous.   The Zoo needs a new point person for overseeing Projects.

First, absolutely no more obscene amounts of funds should be spent on this crazy project.  It needs to come together, and start looking cohesive in ways that can be done affordably and soon-ish.  Madagascar needs help, because left as, it definitely looks unfinished, and therefore failed.  My opinion is in no way reflective of the Fossa and Radiated Tortoises, both I enjoy, and am glad we have them.  I have no hate for their enclosures.  Overall my opinion is based on what I think this space could have been as a whole and for these species.   How it turned out, is not what I expected for $7+ Million.  The Fossa could have got that same enclosure for probably the tax on $7Mil, and the Tortoises could have continued to live at the ARC or joined the one living with the Sifaka.  More was probably spent on the Rent-A-Fence that went around the space for six years, than on anything else.  The Million Dollar Tree, no one needed.  Ever.  

Below is the complete layout.  Unfortunately, Google Maps has not been update since before any construction was done.

A BBQ Pit

B Lemur Aviaries

C Radiated Tortoises

D Unused Space

E Fossa

F Former Aye Aye

G Unused Indoor Space

H Former Tamarins

 I  Sifaka

Approaching the area from Mandrills.  There is no Madagascar signage from either side.  

Overhead view of the BBQ Pit, moving towards top right is Radiated Tortoises, and the Unused Space D.

Above is the Unused Space D, which is pretty sizeable, and could house a small Mammal, or Bird species.  It extends past utility box, to a decent sized area that could serve as a night quarters for whoever they might house in this space.  That said, the other day I noticed a good deal of Bamboo plants holding there.  I also heard of another area that is slated for a concentration of Bamboo.  Hopefully this space is not going to be used to grow food for an Animal we don't, and may never have.  Red Panda food, yes.  Prospective Panda food, no. 

Frankly, until this week, I didn't know what could be done with A, that BBQ Pit that they built there.  Supposedly built for Staff to bring Tortoises out for the public to interact with.  It has thankfully gone unused for that.   Horrible idea!

That said, until the last couple days, my only thought was if they could salvage the masonry work, I'd knock it down it and use the stones out in front of the Zoo, to line the front of the chain link perimeter fence, after removing that wooden fence and the broken down pillars.  Sorry, but that's what I think every time I see that crazy waste of money that has nothing to do with a Madagascar exhibit area.  And, apologies for bringing that broken down fence into this.   

All that BBQ Pit has provided is place for people to sit and have their lunch.  It's ridiculous and an eyesore.  It's been sitting there unused for what seems like over a year.  It needs to be used for something, for now, maybe have one of the Interpretive Ambassadors, giving talks a few times a day about What's Happening Today At Our Zoo.  I have another idea I'm going to sort out and possibly pitch, and that could also have a "talk" component in conjunction with it.  

Basically, it needs to be active with something Zoo related and a sandwich board stating the activities.  It just needs to make sense.  Not be a blob of bricks for people to flail about in.

So, this week I had an idea that finally made sense.  This area could be repurposed to house a Mammal or Bird species. Considering there is already a base (the Pit), adding stones to close the perimeter openings, filling the center in up to covering the seating area, and adding a containment barrier of netting above it, creating either a heightened enclosure for a mammal, or appropriate height for a Bird species.  Adding a wood fencing barrier similar to Tortoises, to mainly keep people back from netting but would also visually tie-in with Tortoises.  Only drawback is, if housing a Mammal, the night quarters would have to extend out, adjacent to the enclosure and that would look odd no matter where it was placed. Housing a Bird species if any, would seemingly work better since night quarters are small and usually incorporated into the enclosure.

After staring at the Pit, and thinking about the above idea,  I went over and took another photo of the Unused Space D.  

I've looked at it before but don't think I comprehended the size.  It seems almost the same topical size as the Pit, if not slightly bigger.  It can be built to also create a heightened space and most important has that extra space behind it that would seemingly be a better space for a night quarter.  Imagining a Mammal enclosure here, is visually more pleasing than in the Pit space.  As well, envisioning the flow for another Mammal species closer to the Fossa, and Tortoises, in what feels more like the front of the Madagascar area, seems more logical.  

Three years ago, I noted in a post the suggestion that the Zoo try to get a Mongoose or Fanaloka.   The Nashville Zoo had a birth of the later, a species I learned about when that birth happened the year prior.  In reading about the Fanaloka, and Mongoose, both endemic to Madagascar, I learned more.  The Fanaloka is nocturnal, so building an enclosure would probably require extra expenses.  Even if they reopened the nocturnal area that previously housed Aye-Aye, I don't think its big enough.  The Madagascar Ring-Tailed Vontsira, also called Mongoose, despite not being related to the Mongoose Family, is seemingly the best choice.  It's arboreal, making it perfect for a vertical enclosure.  Thing is, could be tough getting either, as both are rare, with reportedly only one Zoo holding each species.    

All of it obviously depends on their plans and as funding permits, even for small scale builds.  Hoping to one day see a Vontsira here, rounding out a trio of Animals in this area.  It would make a huge difference to the aesthetics of this project.

The photos above show two views of the Lemur Aviaries.  Top is from front side, taken from Lemur Boardwalk, the bottom is from  backside, now viewable from Madagascar, between Tortoises and the BBQ Pit.

The reason I'm including this enclosure of an existing exhibit, is because the Zoo wrote in one of their email Newsletters months ago, maybe even last year, that we were getting a breeding pair of Blue-Eyed Black Lemurs.  They also recently announced the arrival of a male and female of that same species.  I have not confirmed if the same pair or not.   In the original Newsletter mention, it noted that the breeding pair would be off-exhibit.  Basically, the public would never see them or their off-spring.   Myself and Members were not happy that babies would not be visible.

Not knowing if this breeding pair would be housed within the exhibit night quarters, with the other Lemurs in this area, or off exhibit at FCC, I looked at this view.   I thought, if they were housed in this area, maybe they could have them and offspring on limited view from the Madagascar side.  With the more recent notation that the new arrivals would be living in one of these aviaries, hopefully it's this one that is closest to Tortoises, and that there will be signage to call attention to the area, which would make it inclusive to the Madagascar side.

This photo shows the now empty former Tamarin housing. There are three enclosures, though I can't remember ever seeing the middle one viewable, but may have been in use as a route to night quarters.  While not part of the MAD teardown, both species of Tamarin (Pied and Emperor), and their Patas Monkey neighbors were transferred out.  Since then there have been Animals taken from other areas and randomly put here, even though in my opinion inappropriate housing, with the exception of the last Squirrel Monkey, a super senior who seemed to thrive there, until he was transferred to a Squirrel Monkey Sanctuary. 

I'd like to see this area back to housing at least one Tamarin Species, maybe using the whole run, if they are connected. They were fun to watch and popular.  I have not heard there is any issue with the enclosures, so again, not sure why they left to begin with, and not sure why they have not been acquired again.  Leaving this empty does not seem like the logical thing to do, especially with how Madagascar turned out, populating this area can only help the optics.

The above photo, shows the old Aye-Aye enclosure entrance. About where the partition is, is where the lower part of the Fossa enclosure starts.  You can see the door is still there.  As well one of the stabilization beams, is still painted with related species, including the Aye-Aye.

The three Aye-Aye were transferred out some time before Madagascar became a project.  I don't remember ever hearing there was an issue with the enclosure.   That said, considering the Aye-Aye are endemic to Madagascar, it's curious to me that this was never reopened (even if it needed repair work), and a featured part of this project.  I loved seeing the Aye-Ayes. Housing this Nocturnal species provided for a cool and different exhibit.  I think it would be an asset to the area.

When the Fossa enclosure was built, as I understand, it was going to house both Fossa (the male lives off exhibit at FCC). While I have seen the male, and would have liked to know him, thankfully, that didn't happen.  The enclosure size in my opinion, is barely enough for one.  Splitting it in half, as they would be housed separately, would be too small.  That said, night quarters were allegedly built in the building, with an access point visible from the lower part of the enclosure.   I've asked if the Aye-Aye exhibit is still intact, and it seemingly is.  If that is accurate, there should be a plan to reopen this exhibit, whether as a nocturnal enclosure, or not.  With Aye-Aye, or another species, like Tenrec (which I thought we already had?), not only to possibly bring back fan favorite Aye-Aye, but to have another actual Mammal from Madagascar in the Madagascar area.

This is the outside of the Unused Indoor space.  This space was previously used as a gift shop, but has been vacant since way before Madagascar.  

Looking inside, you can see it is a decent sized space, that has not been kept-up.  I took this recently, and curiously the Living Wall panel seems to still be alive, as opposed to few years ago, it had been neglected and looked brown and dry.  

I remembered hearing there was a roof issue.  I took this last week, and the roof indeed looks in bad shape.  Unfortunate, because I have what I think is a great idea for this space. 

Over ten years ago I had one of my best ideas.  I researched it and no other Zoo was doing it.  I've held on to that original idea ever since.   I told a couple people, and they agreed it's a good one.   I still hope to share it one day, but I still haven't let go of the need to be involved in seeing it to fruition.  That would have never happened while Tanya Peterson was still Director.

I've continued to hold it close, even though I shared it once, but in hindsight I don't remember or understand why I would have.  I pitched it to the former Deputy Director, suggesting this space.  He was interested, but I procrastinated in writing it out for him, and when I followed-up, he said this space was now going to be used for Malagasy (Madagascar)  Exhibit.  Some things work out as they should.  It would have been a horrible experience for me to have had this happen while Peterson was still at the helm, and therefore without me helping see the vision through.  Additionally, I thought of a better space, and will continue to hold on to it, unless a satisfying opportunity presents itself.  That said, this space, has sat vacant for eight+ years.

I shared the above, because the idea I have for this space, was born out if my original idea that I mentioned.   I think this is another original, and what I like most about it, is that it would create an interestingly positioned hub, that I think would pull the area together, and detract a bit from the lingering failure of other aspects of this project.  I'm going to check on the roof, and see if this space is usable.  Maybe I'll share this one, because the Madagascar area needs help desperately.   

I think adding another Mammal in the Unused Space, using the Pit for Zoo Happenings and other talks, and if my above idea for the Unused Indoor Space could come to fruition, it could finally pull together a fulfilled and cohesive feeling to this MAD area. 

Previous/Related Posts:

*That Part Two! - What I Think Our Zoo Needs aka What I'd Like To See

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/05/that-part-two-what-i-think-our-zoo.html

*Continuation Of... - What I Think Our Zoo Needs aka What I'd Like To See

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/05/continuation-of-what-i-think-our-zoo.html

Post showing stone work idea mentioned that could be done at that Perimeter Fence...

*Lordy Be, Can It Be? Do We Finally Have Management Who Cares About Our Zoo?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/09/lordy-be-can-it-be-do-we-finally-have.html

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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison , #Gorillas , #Lemurs